FROM THE PRESIDENT George A. Willis csc, sasc
S
o many times over the years while celebrating a specific event I heard my parents say, “Just where did the time go?” Well, now’s the time to look back over the last 10 years in the life of the Canadian Society of Cinematographers. It seems that time has flown by since we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the CSC, and we are now celebrating the next milestone – the 60th anniversary. There are many important moments and memories to highlight, and it is difficult to list them all, but remembering is the key. The 50th anniversary was a defining moment when we acknowledged and paid tribute to the founding members of the society. We created a commemorative book wherein we featured many of the CSC members from the beginning of the society in 1957 until 2007, the first 50 years. To further acknowledge these forerunners, we produced a document that officially and symbolically handed over the CSC to the next generation of filmmakers. This took place at the 2007 CSC Awards gala when the document was accepted by Dylan Macleod csc, representing this new generation. This framed document now hangs in our clubhouse. Another dictate of time is the passing of members of the society, and each year at the awards gala, we reserve a moment to remember, acknowledge and honour those who have given not only their creative abilities to the industry, but also their time and efforts and paved the way for all members of the society. The facets and activities of the society are too numerous to mention, but some of the most notable are the various social media platforms connected with the CSC. Facebook and Instagram have become a part of the day-to-day activities, with 5,800 and 9,300 followers, respectively, and it is quite remarkable that these platforms continue to grow in their membership. Podcasts have been initiated on the CSC website too, and these also offer opportunities for discussion and the sharing of information. In 2014, the CSC joined the federation of European cinematographic societies, otherwise known as IMAGO. This has been an important step in the evolution of cinematography as it allows us to share in the many attributes of our
4 • Canadian Cinematographer - January 2017
craft. We are one of 52 members of this international organization and have also been invited to be on two important committees – Education and Working Conditions. Education is one of the most important aspects of our society and we strive to bring as much information to members as possible via the multitude of specialized workshops that we offer. We receive many compliments at the conclusion of each workshop, which is most rewarding. Requests from some of our sponsors, such as William F. White International, to partake in some of their activities – including open houses and technology showcases – have also provided opportunities for us to raise our CSC banner and promote our brand. The CSC Brand Book, developed by Vice President Carlos Esteves csc, is an important step in the continuing evolution of the society. Primarily designed as the go-to manual for information on how the CSC name and logo may or may not be used, it also acknowledges the changes in the society from a corporate standpoint. As an example, it chronicles the changes in the CSC logo and speaks to the progressiveness of the society. Over the last two years, we have found it not only prudent but also necessary to consider and implement changes in the Executive Committee, mainly because a greater number of members are needed to fulfill the required obligations. As of this writing, we are in the midst of revamping parts of the society’s by-laws. Our treasurer, Joe Sunday, is largely responsible for this most important endeavor, as we proceed with new initiatives within the society. Ever important is the pressing need for assistance from the membership to bring to fruition the many ideas that we have planned for the future. We will continue to pursue this important issue and trust that we will be successful in recruiting members who wish to partake more fully in the day-to-day activities of the society. And so, as we anticipate the celebrations of the official 60th anniversary, we will pause to remember our humble beginnings while looking to the future with the resolve to continue on the path to creating bigger and better things for the Canadian Society of Cinematographers.
